Job Description: Interim Chief Executive Officer (Fundraising & Strategy Focus) Term: 6 -9 Months Location: Hitchin (with option for hybrid working but attending in the office two days per week ) Reporting To: Board of Trustees Salary: £65,000 pro rata, three or four days per week Start Date: April 2025 About Tilehouse Counselling Tilehouse Counselling is a well-established and reputable counselling service located in the heart of Hitchin, Hertfordshire. With a team of experienced and qualified counsellors, Tilehouse Counselling offers a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking professional help with a range of emotional and mental health concerns. It is open from Monday to Thursday. Tilehouse Counselling believes in a person-centred approach to counselling with a focus on understanding individual experiences, values, and goals to create a personal treatment plan. Tilehouse Counselling is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and confidential services and adheres to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ethical framework to ensure that its clients receive the best possible care. It is a BACP accredited service. Role Purpose: To provide strong, strategic leadership and operational management during a period of transition, focusing on enhancing fundraising capacity, developing a robust organisational strategy, and ensuring the continued effective delivery of the charity's purpose. This interim role will provide stability and direction while the Board of Trustees conducts a search for a permanent CEO. Key Responsibilities: 1. Strategic Leadership & Development: Conduct a rapid assessment of the charity's current strategic plan and identify key areas for improvement. Lead the development of a revised or updated strategic framework, focusing on sustainability, growth, and impact. Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and the Clinical Lead to define clear strategic priorities and measurable outcomes. Provide clear and concise reports to the Board on progress against strategic objectives. 2. Fundraising & Development: Conduct a rapid, comprehensive review of existing fundraising activities and identify opportunities for growth and diversification. Develop and implement a short-term fundraising strategy to maximise income generation within the interim period. Lead and motivate a fundraising team (at the moment this needs developing using a voluntary advisory team). providing guidance and support to achieve targets which would include developing marcomms Cultivate and strengthen relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations, patronage, and corporate partners. Explore and develop new fundraising streams, including digital fundraising and innovative partnerships. Oversee the development of compelling funding proposals and grant applications. Improve fundraising reporting and analysis to track performance and inform decision-making. 3. Operational Management: Provide effective line management to the Operations Manager, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Oversee financial management, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices for budgeting. Manage risk and ensure the charity's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Represent the charity to external stakeholders, building and maintaining positive relationships. Ensure effective communication and engagement with staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries. Prepare the organisation for a smooth handover to the permanent CEO Work with the Clinical Lead who will continue to manage and liaise with the counsellors. 4. Board Engagement: Act as the primary point of contact between the Board of Trustees together with the Clinical Lead and the staff team. Provide regular updates to the Board on operational and strategic matters. Support the Board in its governance role, providing advice and information as needed. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the Board and staff. Person Specification: Essential Skills & Experience: Proven track record of success in senior leadership roles within the charity sector. Extensive experience in fundraising and income generation, including major donor cultivation, grant applications, and corporate partnerships. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective organisational strategies. Strong financial management and risk management Experience of working effectively with a Board of Trustees. Strong understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal and presentation skills Proven experience of leading and motivating teams. Desirable Skills & Experience: Experience in leading organisational change and development. Experience in digital fundraising and marketing. Relevant professional qualifications in business administration or in the care sector Personal Attributes: Strategic thinker with a strong focus on results. Highly motivated and proactive. Strong ethical values and commitment to the charity's mission. Ability to build trust and credibility. Resilient and adaptable. How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Pam Firth, Acting Clinical Director, at pam.firthtilehouse.org by March 27th. This role is part funded by The National Lottery Community Fund